Grand Sprute Manor: A Historic Landmark
Nestled along a quiet side road off Route 322 and taking its name from the adjacent Grand Sprute Run, the Grand Sprute Manor— also historically known as the Vanleer-Black-Schorn Home—stands as an enduring colonial treasure. Built circa 1756, the Manor’s solid brick construction and distinctive corner fireplaces speak to the craftsmanship of early New Jersey settlers who shaped both the land and the community around them. Originally functioning as both a working farm and a bustling trading post for Native Americans and European settlers, the Manor played a dynamic role in the early economic and social life along the Raccoon Creek corridor.
The property once included the Mortonson-Schorn Log Cabin, a rare example of 17th-century Swedish-Finnish architecture that stood here for centuries. Built by Morton Mortenson—an ancestor of John Morton, signer of the Declaration of Independence—the cabin, a modest, single-room cedar log dwelling, stood on the grounds before being relocated in 1989 to the Trinity Episcopal Church cemetery in nearby Swedesboro. Later chapters of the property’s history connect it to the Van Leer family and stories of the Underground Railroad, adding a meaningful legacy of compassion and resilience that remains part of the land’s character.
Today, the Grand Sprute Manor is thoughtfully cared for as a place where history, agriculture, and community come together. Visitors are drawn by the peaceful setting, seasonal beauty, and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the rhythms of farm life—whether strolling the grounds, gathering for events, or taking in the sights and scents of the surrounding fields. Rooted in the past, the Manor continues its long tradition of welcoming people to the land and creating lasting memories.
Our Story
In 2020, we inherited Adam’s childhood home and needed to decide on how to honor this historic property. Through careful planning and heartfelt conversation, we envisioned The Grand Sprute Manor as a place where people could gather—celebrating life’s milestones in a setting rich with history, beauty, and intention. Lavender fields felt like the natural choice to anchor that vision, offering a serene and timeless backdrop for weddings, celebrations, and meaningful events.
In the spring of 2024, we began transforming an overgrown two-acre field adjacent to the manor into what would become the foundation of our event landscape. We planted our first 50 lavender plants to test the land and growing conditions, tackling the work by hand with a small tractor and shovels. Creating 120-foot mounded rows was slow, demanding work, and completing just four rows took weeks. While rewarding, it quickly became clear that expanding the fields to support future gatherings would require help.
That help arrived in June 2025. After several attempts, we connected with a local farmer (thank you, Chris!) who used professional farm equipment to complete the remaining 18 rows in just a few hours. This pivotal moment allowed us to plant an additional 750 lavender plants and complete the first phase of our lavender fields—bringing us one step closer to offering a fully realized, picturesque venue for events and celebrations.
Today, we are working closely with local authorities to secure the necessary approvals to welcome guests to The Grand Sprute Manor. Each step brings us closer to opening our gates and sharing this space for weddings, private events, seasonal gatherings, and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned for Opening Day—we look forward to celebrating with you.
The land. The house. The history
